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| Wilson Urges Funding for Rural Health Initiatives |
March 29, 2004 |
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Washington, DC – Congresswoman Heather Wilson joined other Members of the U.S. House Friday in urging appropriators to support several rural health programs, many of which play a vital role in health care delivery in New Mexico.
“Rural states like New Mexico have unique health care challenges, such as a shortage of health professionals willing to practice in remote areas. These health care programs help address the challenges rural areas face and they should receive adequate funding from the federal government,” said Wilson.
A number of programs were included in a letter signed by Wilson and other Members, including the National Health Service Corps (NHSC). More than 50 health care providers are currently serving in rural parts of New Mexico as part of the NHSC, with an estimated value to New Mexico of $2 million. Wilson urged an increase of $34 million nationally, which would encourage a greater number of health providers in underserved areas of New Mexico by increasing the number of available scholarships.
“Nearly the entire state is on the federal list of Health Professional Shortage Areas,” said Wilson. “We need to support programs that expand access to health care for rural areas.”
Wilson signed another letter in support of funding for Community Health Centers, which provide primary care services to 252,000 people in New Mexico. Federal funding for New Mexico’s 13 Community Health Centers, three Health Care for the Homeless Centers, and three Migrant Health Centers totaled approximately $30 million last year.
The letters are directed at the Subcommittee on Labor, Health and Human Services, and Education of the House Appropriations Committee, the panel that allocates funding for specific health programs.
“Funding these programs will promote access to affordable health care services for people living in Carnual, Chama, and Corona,” said Wilson.
Wilson is a member of the Rural Health Care Caucus, a congressional group that supports rural health care initiatives.
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